A study by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) offers a first-ever look into the journey of 2024’s graduating students from accredited US allied dental programs. The survey, which included responses from over 20% of the estimated 12,920 graduating allied dental students, provides key insights into their career motivations, program experiences, post-graduation plans, and financial investments.
The 2024 ADEA Survey of Graduating Allied Dental Students covers three primary disciplines: dental assisting, dental hygiene, and dental laboratory technology. Notably, the survey reveals that these graduates are predominantly female, with less than 5% identifying as male at birth. When it comes to their decision to pursue an allied dental career, personal dental experiences were the most influential factor for over 40% of students, while family or friends played a role in nearly 30% of cases.
The study also highlights the financial accessibility of allied dental careers, with three-quarters of students entering their programs without educational debt and more than half graduating debt-free. For those who did incur debt, levels were generally moderate. A significant 84% of graduates plan to begin working immediately after graduation, with 81% intending to work in private dental practices.
This inaugural ADEA study offers foundational data on allied dental education in the U.S., showing that graduating students feel well-prepared for the workforce. The findings suggest that allied dental careers offer a financially viable and rewarding pathway, with private practice being the preferred employment option for many new graduates.
